1. The changes to complete…

1. The changes to complete application requirements does not seem to support municipalities as responsible and accountable governments but rather is micro-managing.

2. While some studies may not be important to the Province, the PPS is supposed to outline minimum standards and the Planning Act and PPS provide municipalities the opportunity to go beyond those standards. Local study requirements are determined through a comprehensive consultative process (Official Plan development) and what is important to the local community should be respected.

3. Eliminating of studies may marginally reduce costs, but will not reduce time as most studies are prepared concurrently to each other.

4. Climate change considerations remain a provincial priority and as such, considering micro-climate matters such as sun, shadow and wind effects can be of significance - especially in larger urban areas.

5. Eliminating consideration for urban design is dangerous, as it will change the sense of place that areas have. Sense of place is a major driver in tourism and thus supports our economy.

6. Lighting can create negative impacts on traffic - especially in the rural area when lighting can result in glare on the road, be mistaken for headlights, etc. Safety should not be lost.

7. Lighting done incorrectly causes light pollution, which is a concern as light pollution is known to disturb human and animal health and behavior.

8. Mandatory acceptance of studies just because they are completed by professionals is to deny the benefit of peer reviews. All humans are fallible and subject to error. Unfortunately, it is common for studies to miss considering certain things in their analysis. (E.g. A traffic impact study may miss analyzing an important intersection. Another example is that even with preconsultation and notice of our terms of reference, one municipality I am familiar with, commonly has to have studies updated to reflect the already communicated information.)